How to Keep Your Dog Active Indoors in the Winter Months

As winter sets in, shorter days, cold temperatures, and unpredictable weather can make outdoor walks and play sessions challenging for dog owners. However, just because it’s chilly outside doesn’t mean your dog’s exercise routine should take a back seat. Regular exercise is crucial for your dog’s physical and mental wellbeing, especially during the winter months. 

Here are some indoor activities and games to keep your pet happy, engaged, and active, regardless of the weather.

Why Indoor Exercise Matters for Dogs in Winter

Exercise is vital for dogs of all ages, as it helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces anxiety, and provides mental stimulation. During winter, many dogs spend more time indoors, which can lead to pent-up energy and boredom. Indoor activities offer an excellent way to keep your pet active and provide a safe and fun alternative when outdoor exercise is limited.

Top Indoor Activities and Games to Keep Your Dog Active

Here are some easy and enjoyable indoor activities that can help your dog stay physically and mentally active through the colder months.

1. Hide and Seek

Hide and seek isn’t just a game for children—it’s a fun activity that can stimulate your dog’s mind and keep them on their paws. Simply hide somewhere in your home and call your dog’s name. When they find you, reward them with praise or a treat. This game encourages your dog to use their sense of smell and instincts, making it a great mental workout.

2. Tug of War

A game of tug of war is a fantastic way to burn off energy, and it doesn’t require a lot of space. All you need is a strong tug toy or rope. Tug of war engages your dog’s muscles and provides a satisfying outlet for their natural urge to pull and play. Just be sure to teach your dog the "drop it" command, so they know when to release the toy.

3. Indoor Fetch

If you have enough space, indoor fetch is a great way to give your dog a workout. Use a soft ball or plush toy that won’t damage furniture or floors, and gently toss it down a hallway or across a room. This activity is especially helpful for high-energy breeds that need extra physical exercise. Remember to keep throws gentle and use dog-safe toys.

4. Treat Puzzles and Interactive Toys

Treat puzzles are a wonderful option for indoor exercise as they engage your dog’s mind and offer mental stimulation. Many treat-dispensing toys require your dog to work for their reward, keeping them entertained for extended periods. Look for toys that suit your dog’s size and skill level—some puzzles can be adjusted to make them more challenging as your dog masters them.

5. Obstacle Course

Turn your home into an indoor agility course by using household items. Cushions, boxes, or chairs can create a simple obstacle course that your dog can navigate. Use treats or verbal encouragement to guide them through tunnels, jumps, or gentle zig-zags. This activity engages both their mind and body, and you can increase the difficulty as they get better at it.

6. The “Find It” Game

The “Find It” game is a fantastic way to encourage your dog’s natural sniffing instincts. Hide treats or pieces of kibble around a room and encourage your dog to find them. Start with easy spots and gradually make them more challenging. This game is not only fun but also provides mental stimulation, as your dog must use their nose and brain to track down the treats.

7. Stair Workouts

If you live in a home with stairs, you can use them as an exercise tool (provided your dog’s joints are healthy and they can handle the activity). Carefully supervise your dog as they go up and down the stairs a few times. This activity can help burn energy quickly and provides a great way to keep your dog fit. Just remember to keep sessions short and safe, especially for senior dogs.

8. Teach New Tricks

Winter is an excellent time to brush up on training or teach your dog new tricks. Tricks like “roll over,” “shake,” or even more advanced tricks like “tidy up” (putting toys back in a basket) are fun and challenging for dogs. Training not only strengthens the bond between you and your pet but also provides essential mental stimulation, helping them stay sharp.

9. Nose Work Boxes

Nose work is a popular canine activity where dogs use their scenting ability to locate specific scents. You can create a simple nose work game at home using small boxes or containers. Place a treat inside one of the boxes, shuffle them around, and encourage your dog to find the treat using their nose. This activity is incredibly engaging and taps into your dog’s natural sniffing instincts.

Tips for Indoor Exercise Safety

When exercising indoors, keeping your dog’s safety in mind is essential. Here are some tips to ensure your indoor play sessions are safe:

• Remove any fragile or valuable items from the play area to prevent accidents.

• Opt for toys made for dogs rather than household items, as these are designed to be safe if chewed or handled roughly.

• If you have a senior dog, stick to gentler activities, as their joints may be more sensitive.

• Supervise all indoor activities to prevent injuries, especially if using stairs or moving objects.

Keeping Your Dog Mentally Engaged

In addition to physical activity, mental stimulation is essential for a well-rounded winter exercise routine. Puzzle games, scent work, and new trick training offer excellent mental workouts that keep your dog entertained and reduce the risk of boredom-related behaviours, such as chewing or barking.

Final Thoughts

Winter doesn’t have to mean an end to your dog’s exercise routine. By getting creative with indoor activities and games, you can keep your dog physically and mentally active throughout the season. Whether it’s playing hide and seek, setting up a treat puzzle, or creating an obstacle course, these activities are great ways to beat the winter blues and ensure your dog stays healthy, happy, and engaged all winter long.

Staying active indoors can help maintain your dog’s fitness, boost their mood, and strengthen your bond, making winter a season you can both enjoy.

We believe preventing disease is a far better way of helping your pet stay fit, comfortable, happy and healthy. So we’ve created the Vital Pets Club to make sure every pet owner has easy access to the best pet care at an affordable price.